Omani government teams up with private sector on tourism project

The Muscat-based Zubair group has entered an agreement with the Omani government to build a $170 million tourist resort on the outskirts of the capital. Construction of the complex is scheduled to be

The Muscat-based Zubair group has entered an agreement with the Omani government to build a $170 million tourist resort on the outskirts of the capital. Construction of the complex is scheduled to be completed by 2006.

Construction of the resort began this past May with the granting of an initial construction contract to Tarmac-Alawi for road development, temporary facilities and a tunnel.

The Barr Al-Jissah resort will be 40 percent publicly owned and 60 percent controlled by the Zubair group. The resort, which spreads over a 500,000 square meter area, will include three hotels—a deluxe, a five star and a four star hotel—offering a total of 714 rooms and suites, restaurants, a spa and a health club.

To be managed by Hong Kong's Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, the beachfront complex overlooking the Gulf of Oman is expected to become a popular vacation spot for families seeking budget holidays.

Zubair Group is one of the largest privately owned groups in Oman. Established in 1967, the group’s tourism subsidiaries include travel agencies, car rental companies and hotels and holiday resorts in Oman and Dubai. — (menareport.com)